Kids & Families
Family shelters, free meals for kids, school rights while unhoused, and family support in Denver.
🏠 Family Promise of Greater Denver
Provides shelter, meals, and comprehensive case management for families with children experiencing homelessness. Helps families achieve sustainable independence through housing, employment, and financial stability support.
Phone: 303-217-9873
📞 Call Family Promise🏠 Salvation Army Crossroads
Emergency shelter for families and single women at 2877 Lawrence St, Denver. Includes meals, children's programs, and case management. Call 303-296-9400.
🏡 Denver Rescue Mission — STAR Program
The STAR (Short-Term, Achievement, and Rehabilitation) Program gives families a safe place to live while transitioning out of homelessness. Includes case management, life-skills workshops, and counseling. There is a waitlist.
Requirements: Proof of employment/income, Social Security cards for all household members, background check. Apply in person at 6100 Smith Rd or call 303-953-3963.
📚 McKinney-Vento Act — Your Child's Right to School
Under federal law (the McKinney-Vento Act), your child has the right to:
• Stay in their current school even if you move to a different area, shelter, or temporary housing
• Enroll immediately in a new school without typical documents (proof of residency, school records, immunization records)
• Receive free school meals automatically
• Get transportation to and from school if needed
Contact Denver Public Schools' Homeless Education Liaison at 720-423-2039 for help enrolling your child or resolving any school access issues.
🍎 Kids Eat Free Programs
Many Denver locations provide free meals for children year-round. Use the USDA Summer Meals Site Finder or text "FOOD" to 304-304 to find free meal sites near you.
Denver Rescue Mission and community churches also serve meals open to families — see the Food & Meals page for schedules.